all about the great state of Tennessee
Traveling to Tennessee makes sense. We have natural beauty, southern hospitality, serene weather, and something for everyone. And, we are within a day's drive of 65 percent of the United States population. What more could you want in a travel destination? Tennessee welcomes you to explore everything we have to offer.
SAMPLE ALL SEASONS
No matter what time of year you travel here, Tennessee's mild weather offers a comfortable environment for you to enjoy the state. Spring blooms with wildflowers and dogwoods. Summer displays an ideal climate for playing outside. Colorful leaves and cool breezes are delightful occurrences in autumn. And our wintry weather delivers quiet surroundings with occasional dustings of snow.
The state is divided geographically as well as legally into three regions, the state's Grand Divisions:
East, Middle and West. Each region of the state furnishes a
unique variety of geography.
West Tennessee is the most geographically defined of the three regions bordered by the
Mississippi River on the west
and the Tennessee River on the east with an abundance of smaller rivers and lakes in between.
Middle Tennessee has a little more height with rolling hills and smaller streams.
Dome-like geography, the Nashville Basin, surrounds the state's capital Nashville with steep slopes and ridges called the Highland Rim. Moving into the Eastern Time Zone, East Tennessee offers a mountainous region including the Great Smoky Mountains. The Tennessee River makes its way back into this portion of the state after running through the West, dipping down into Alabama and coming back into East Tennessee. Visit our road tools section for information on making your rounds in all of Tennessee.
We know you'll love Tennessee. In fact, you probably won't want to leave once you're here. So, if you decide to make Tennessee your home or you just want to fake your Tennessee heritage, here are a few facts about our state to keep you in the know.
The State Seal
Tennessee's state seal is a representation of the meaningful symbols of its history. Roman numerals XVI signify Tennessee as the 16th state to enter the Union. A plow, sheaf of wheat and a cotton stalk indicate agriculture's importance in Tennessee industry. The riverboat depiction shows the development of river traffic commerce.
The State Flag
Adopted in 1905, the flag features three stars representing the grand divisions of the state: East, Middle and West. The stars are bound together in unity by the circular white band.
The State Bird
In 1933, the Tennessee Ornithological Society initiated an election to adopt an official state bird. The mockingbird is known as one the finest singers among North American birds and is especially noted for its skill in mimicking the songs of other birds.
The State Capital
Nashville was chosen as the permanent capital city in 1843. Completed in 1859, the Tennessee Sate Capitol is one of the oldest working capitols in the country.
The State Tree
In 1947, the State Legislature adopted the tulip poplar as the state tree because Tennessee pioneers used it extensively to construct their houses, barns and other buildings.
The State Flower
The State Legislature designated the iris as the state cultivated flower in 1933. While there are several different colors among the iris, the purple iris is commonly accepted as the state flower.
The State Wildflower
Declared the state wildflower in 1973, the passion flower received its name from early Christian missionaries to South America, who saw in the flower's various parts symbols of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
The State Insects
The firefly and the ladybug are Tennessee's official state insects. Fireflies, luminescent beetles, generally come out on warm late spring and summer nights. The ladybug or ladybeetle is the most popular beneficial insect for Tennessee's agriculture.
The State Rocks
Limestone was declared the official state rock in 1979. In 1969, the General Assembly gave similar status to agate, cryptocrystalline quartz, a semiprecious gemstone found only in a few areas of the state.
The State Songs
Music is such an integral part of Tennessee's heritage that we have not one, but five official state songs: "My Homeland, Tennessee", "When It's Iris Time in Tennessee", "My Tennessee", "Tennessee Waltz" and "Rocky Top".
The State Gem
Adopted in 1979, the freshwater pearl is Tennessee official state gem. Tennessee's river pearls are taken from mussels in the state's freshwater rivers.
Other State Symbols
Other state symbols include the Tennessee cave salamander as the official state amphibian, the box turtle the official state reptile, the Zebra Swallowtail as the state butterfly, the Bobwhite Quail as the state game bird, the Channel Catfish as the state commercial fish, the Largemouth Bass as the state game fish, the raccoon as the state animal, the yellowwood as the state bicentennial tree, and the honeybee as the state agricultural insect.
upcoming events
Jul 4, 2009
Anvil Shoot and Celebration
Norris, TN
Jul 4, 2009
Music City July 4th Spectacular
Nashville, TN
Jul 3, 2009 - Jul 4, 2009
Smithville's Fiddler's Jamboree & Crafts Festival
Smithville, TN
Jul 2, 2009 - Jul 4, 2009
Libertyfest
Lawrenceburg, TN
Jul 4, 2009
Rockin' the Docks
Lenoir City, TN
